After accumulating 43 points in his first 63 professional games on an AHL deal, the Sabres decided to further their investment Monday by announcing that they've come to terms on a three-year entry-level deal with the talented pivot.

Varone (5’10”, 186 lbs., 12/4/90) currently leads the Rochester Americans (AHL) with 43 points (8+35) and two shorthanded goals in 63 games this season. His 35 assists rank him fourth among all AHL rookies and tie for 15th-most among all skaters. Varone is ranked 12th among AHL rookies in total scoring.

The Vaughan, Ont. native joined the Americans after recording a career-high 82 points (34 goals, 48 assists) in just 59 games last season with London and Erie of the Ontario Hockey League. In five OHL seasons with Kitchener, London and Erie, Varone finished his junior career with 230 points (78+152) in 228 games. He also totaled 34 points (14+20) in 26 career OHL playoff contests.

Varone had four points (2+2) for the Sabres in the 2011 Traverse City NHL Prospects Tournament, helping the Sabres prospects to a tournament championship win. He signed a one-year AHL contract with the Americans in September after attending training camp with the Sabres.

Related Post

7
comments

Kris,Should I be losing trust in the Sabres scouting department since they initially signed Parker and Boychuk to NHL deals, and Varone to only an AHL deal?Do you think his AHL only deal provided him motivation that Parker and Boychuk didn't have?Todd

Perhaps the even better question is, is there any way that we can get rid of Parker and maybe Sydlowski's deals. They may end up taking us unnecessary near the 50 contract limit while contributing little to nothing in regards to NHL potential.

Todd - As much as the Sabres need(ed) centers, they also needed hard-working players who know what to do when the puck hits their tape. My personal opinion is that Varone was the sharpest of the summer invites, but I understand why the others were signed.

Sabres need more trigger men. Parker can really shoot it. That skill along with his work ethic got him a deal. He worked hard in d-camp practices (something fellow invite Steven Beyers didn't appear to do despite looking good in games) and proved tough on the wall in the scrimmages. That effort combined with his release bought him an adjustment period in my eyes. My only issue is his shots on goal at the AHL level. He has the skills to hit at a good percentage, but right now he hasn't been able to get enough shots to the net. Hoping the ECHL gives him some rhythm.

Szydlowski, while he hasn't scored an AHL goal, still brings a lot to the table. He's tough, smart, and is real solid on his skates. Well rounded. Good org depth. It's hard to see by looking at the stat sheet, but he'll do some heavy lifting for you and is a nice guy to have if you have bump him up the lineup.

I'm ok with their deals.

Now Varone, honestly, was the player who I thought looked excellent from the beginning til now. Strong over the summer (better camp than Sundher), and after a brief easing-in period, really good over the past 3+ months in the AHL playing in all situations. What may have prevented this from getting done earlier: a) numbers of contracts relative to their need to lock up their 2010 picks (priorities)b) the need to see him consistently perform as an undersized forward in the AHLc) Steven Shipley. The Sabres needed to see if the 6'3 center could spike his development as a former 4th rounder. Sure they could have both, but right now I'm thinking Varone's deal makes it very difficult for Shipley to negotiate an ELC.

I'll answer the one question for Kris. Shipley needs a deal signed by June 15th of this year or the Sabres no longer have exclusive rights to him.

Kris,

I'm not sure how to phrase this question, because technically there's very few prospects that ever "make it." I'll use Turnbull as the comparable. He was undrafted, brought in a low risk high reward player and got himself a recall. Are Parker and/or Szydlowski capable of getting to this point? How long will the Sabres be willing to wait given the 50 contract limit and tons of eligible UFAs from junior and college out there?

Video of the day

Author

Kris Baker was raised in a hockey rink. When you were watching Star Wars, he was watching Peter Puck. Bakes' favorite food is chicken soup from the vending machine, and he'd register a Zamboni with the DMV if allowed.